Golfers brave cool temps to support FCA's mission

When 16 teams teed off Monday in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Champions Tour Pro-Am at Wexford Plantation, it wasn't just the newly redesigned course that was tough.

Tempeartures in the low 50s and gusting winds made it feel like winter for those who took to the course.

Champions Tour pro Fred Funk and his foursome of David Fedor, John Keller, Jeff Snider and Daniel Wheeler won the event. They finished tied and won the tiebreaker over pro Anders Forsbrand and his foursome of Ford Allen, Kent Campbell, Freddy Mitchell and Chris Virgulak.

Professional Scott Simpson had good things to say about the Wexford course.

"It's a beautiful layout," Simpson said. "Challenging. It was top notch in terms of the course."

Simpson was happy to participate, saying the FCA allows young people to learn about golf and have fun with it while in a Christian environment.

"I've been supporting the FCA for a long time," Simpson said. "They do a great job with camps and by giving young people and athletes a chance to learn about Christ, faith and golf, of course.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the FCA Golf Ministry and the South Coastal FCA organization. FCA is a nonprofit, interdenominational sports ministry focused on athletes and coaches from the youth to the professional level. The South Coastal FCA organization is involved in 28 middle and high schools in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties.

On top of the fees golfers paid to play, the event also raised money with a silent auction on Sunday night, as well as a raffle for golf equipment and memorabilia.

Jim Esary, executive director of FCA Golf, thought the first-year event was "excellent" and hopes it will have a long future with Wexford Plantation.

"In 20 or 30 years when Rickie Fowler is playing on the Champions Tour, I hope we can look back on how this thing has grown," Esary said. "For the people on Hilton Head Island who are looking to play in a pro-am, this is the biggest bang for the buck."

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